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NLIS 3
February 4, 2005
(Executive Council)
Premier congratulates
Newfoundlander and Labradorian
on appointment as new Chief of the Defence Staff
Premier Danny Williams today attended a ceremony in
Ottawa hosted by Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, where
Newfoundland and Labrador native Rick Hillier was appointed Chief of the Defence
Staff (CDS) for Canada. The appointment of General Hillier was announced by
Prime Minister Paul Martin in January and became effective today with the
ceremony held at the Canada Reception Centre, Hangar 11 of Ottawa International
Airport.
�I am so pleased to be here today in Ottawa to see a native son affirmed in such
a prestigious position of the Canadian Armed Forces,� said Premier Williams.
�General Hillier�s appointment is one that makes all Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians very proud, especially the many men and women from our province who
are dedicated members of Canada�s Armed Forces.�
General Hillier has had a distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces
including duties such as Chief of Land Staff, Commander of the International
Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and senior positions in peacekeeping
missions in the former Yugoslavia and Bosnia. He replaces General Ray Henault
who has accepted the position of NATO�s Chairman of the Military Committee.
Premier Williams commended General Hillier on his distinguished career and
dedication to the international activities of the Canadian military. �General
Hillier has demonstrated throughout his career the character that
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are known for worldwide. He is a man of
compassion and determination, and he is a respected and skilled leader. He has
served in some of our world�s most dangerous and needy areas and has helped
bring stability and hope to those regions. General Hillier is a role model for
us all and I wish him much success in leading Canada�s military.�
General Hillier is a 49-year-old native of Campbellton, Newfoundland and
Labrador. He graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a Bachelor
of Science degree in 1975 and joined the Canadian Armed Forces shortly
thereafter. He and his wife Joyce have two children.
Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960 or
(709) 690-5500
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
2005 02 04
3:30 p.m. |
